There are a lot of talk in real estate about green building lately, but the phrase is still a bit vague. Here's a guide to understanding some key terms, so it can investigate whether or not a potential home is truly green.
Isolation and construction:
Many new buildings are insulated with recycled materials like old blue jeans or blown fiberglass. Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and concrete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated wood. Many cities have lumber yards and "re-shops" where you can buy recycled or left over building materials that are strong, cheap and often antique or authentically vintage.
Appliances:
Look for shower heads, low flow and low flush or composting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dryers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tankless, heaters water.
Soils:
Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have found economic alternatives and beautiful bamboo (which is technically not a wood but a grass, yet one of the toughest and easy replacement flooring materials) and cork (also easy replacement). Concrete also can be an economical and robust alternative, such as old linoleum, which is actually made from linen and other natural fibers.
Paint and other materials:
Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alternatives to oil and latex, one of those options is the use of milk-based paints (which smells like the application, such as milk instead of harsh chemicals, and have no any carcinogenic ingredients.) recycled glass is being made in the kitchen and bathroom tiles and countertops are made from recycled materials that are even more beautiful and unique than mined granite.
Solar Energy:
Solar energy does not just mean expensive panels that sit on the roof (though this is a class, called active solar energy). Taking into account a solar home can mean investing in thick glazing, glass windows or more complicated photovoltaic cells. Although solar tends to be an expensive investment, upfront, the rewards appear each month on their energy bills.
Landscaping:
Look for Xeriscape yards and common areas with plants that require little water. Consider getting rain barrels (many cities sell through their water and energy programs) or converting your water system outdoor "gray water" (which involves using recycled water from dishwashers and washing machines to water the lawn or washing the car). Looks for trees that are native to your area, and plant them so they shield the windows from too much sun in the hottest days.
Neighborhood:
While a lot of green building means being aware of what's happening in your home, you you might also want to check your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or community gardens? Public transport? Bicycle lanes so you can have the option to avoid traffic? Are there shops and restaurants near you, to encourage walking? While thinking about these things may seem unimportant now, global climate and thank the community later. (Oh, and do not forget the federal tax deductions.)
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